Declaration of Independence 1858 - 1869

This photographic print of the Declaration of Independence was made by Jeremiah Gurney, a pioneering New York photographer. Photography in the mid-19th century was a relatively new medium, with practitioners like Gurney on the cutting edge of technology. This particular print is made from an albumen print, a process that involves coating paper with egg white and silver nitrate, creating a smooth surface to capture fine details. Look closely and you’ll notice the circle of portraits of the founding fathers, printed and mounted into this document. The albumen process would have required careful control of light, chemicals, and timing, a testament to Gurney's skill and artistry. In his time, Gurney was also known for his portraits of political figures and celebrities, capturing their likenesses and contributing to the visual culture of the era. So, next time you see an old photograph, think about the labor and ingenuity that went into its creation!